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A cabaret-feeling album. Very lively. Worthy and interesting but Out far outshines it. "Jealousy" is an especially great track, a harbinger of things to come. (Neile)

Her first release, Between Miss Scylla and a Hard Place, contains a number of essential songs. "Bodybags", "Some Things Are Better", "She", "Coup d'Etat", "Shoes".. it's a marvelous achievement, considering she basically put the whole thing together herself.. (another reason to admire her
talent..)
Definitely worth checking into! :-) I wish she would re-record Between Miss Scylla and A Hard Place—it was a VERY do-it-yourself project, but the songs themselves are amazing. A bit of a makeover would be awesome. :-) (lasherboy@gmail.com)

the first one, between miss scylla and a hard place, doesn't seem to have that particular property (rewards active listening but is also just pleasant/fun enough to have on in the background if you happen to be doing something else and aren't really paying attention) so much, and i've not gotten over out long enough to really give it a good listen yet. (damon)

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NOTE: First two issues were 15 tracks; 2009 reissue has 21 tracks and was entirely remixed and remasted by Marcin Bors. Tracks 4 & 5 were one track #4 on the 2006 & 2007 issues (titled simply "Laleczka", now "(zabaweczka)" and "Laleczka"). Bonus tracks are: "London Calling" (Clash cover); "Love Me" (demo);
and "Jealousy" "Bodybags" and "Knock Knock," all three originally from Between Miss Scylla and a Hard Place.

Paul, why didn't I listen to you earlier? I could have another few weeks of LOVING this album. Everything Paul says here is true—this is a stupendous album. Creative, idiocyncratic, catchy... I haven't been this immediately hooked by an artist since I discovered Veda.
Everyone, LISTEN UP! (Neile)

I missed the first post, but that's about the highest praise possible from Neile, so I had to check it out. I'm smitten too. Some very good stuff. (neal)

mostly i'm obsessed with gaba kulka. i *love* out. she does seem to be channelling kate bush at times and it can be uncanny. i love the sort of thing she's doing here—great, quirky, funky and engaging stuff that rewards active listening but is also just pleasant/fun enough to have on in the background if you happen to be doing something else and aren't really paying attention.
i don't know more than maybe two words in polish, but i must say the polish tracks on out are among my favourites regardless (and that's high praise for the music, since her lyrics that i *do* understand are wonderful). (damon)

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Marcin Bors & Gaba Julka

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A new album exploring Gaba Kulka's mournful side. Even the lively songs feel tinged with melancholy. It's a strong album, but I find it less compelling than Out or Hat, Rabbit—I'm not sure why because it's well worth a listen. The songwriting is creatively structured and emotional and dramatic as we expect from Gaba Kulka. My favourite tracks here are probably "The Escaptist," "Mastadon Heart," and "Wielkie Wrazenie," though "X"'s energy is pretty irresistible. The final track, "Z Marcepeana" reminds me—in a very good way—of Kate & Anna McGarrigle's work. (Neile)

I've listened to this album lots of times but would be lost if I had to recall a single song. Never a good sign. Rating: 53/100. Best tracks: "Wielkie Wrazenie," "Character Actors," "Phantom Limb." (raschee@gmail.com)

DISCLAIMER: Comments and reviews in the Ectophiles' Guide are excerpted from the ecto mailing list or volunteered by members of the list. They are the opinions of music enthusiasts, not professional music critics.

Entry last updated 2017-01-31 17:50:24.
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